Water is a requirement of life! Many people looking to lose weight do not drink enough water daily and remain dehydrated, opting instead for a sugary and calorie filled beverage. Soda or pop, depending on where you’re from or Maybe that ice mocha latte Alfrappachino grande is the only drink you have all day. Definitely NOT good for your body.

Water is one of the single most important factors when it comes to staying healthy and is a great way to aid in losing weight. Surprisingly overlooked by a lot of people despite its importance. Your body is roughly made up of %60 water and a lot of people borderline on being dehydrated.

You don’t need Link’s song of Storms but you definitely need to get proper hydration through water.

What are some signs of dehydration?

Dry sticky mouth

sleepiness or overall fatigue

Thirst

Decreased urination (obviously)

Dark colored urine

Dry skin

Lack of sweat

Sunken eyes

Headaches

Irritability

Low blood pressure

Rapid heartbeat

Constipation

Dizziness or lightheartedness

After looking at that list I imagine you immediately went to grab a drink. So let’s take a look at the benefits of water / hydration.

So you’re probably wondering, How much water should you drink? Well there are several factors ranging from overall size and gender but let’s go with the “standards” for now. Keep in mind the more active you are, and the hotter your environment the more water you will want to drink daily.

Women should drink around 2.2 liters / 74 oz / 9 (8oz) cups daily

Men should drink around 3 liters /100 oz / 12 (8oz) cups daily

But keep in mind if you’re living a active life style and you’re doing a really good hard workout like Tony Horton’s – P90x or Shaun T’s – Insanity each day, you want to shoot for at least 1 gallon of water daily. I know it sounds like a lot but you are better off being a little over hydrated than being depleted and thirsty and dying.

When should you drink your water?

This is up to what works for you. I personally suggest 8-10 Oz upon waking up, more so if you plan on working out as soon as you get up. For aiding in weight loss I like to drink at least a cup of water just before I plan to eat, so I don’t overeat. Drinking during the meal is fine however.

How do you lose weight drinking water?

Besides making your body actually function properly, you can use drinking water as a natural appetite suppressant Preferably ice cold water. Hungry and it’s not time to eat yet? Probably just a signal from your body that it’s actually thirsty and not hungry. So this is one method to avoid over eating. Drink water instead of eating something when you’re not supposed to be eating. Don’t starve yourself by any means, if you’re eating every 2 to 3 hours and you’re hungry in between just drink something to take your mind off it.

Another way increasing your water intake helps you lose weight is by drinking it instead of a liquid calorie source. Ever notice how easily you can consume a can of Pepsi or Coke? or better yet one of those bottles? it’s often overlooked but one can; can easily be 150-200 calories depending on its size, and its well over 30 grams of sugar. If you’re pounding back can after can nightly, you’re earning yourself a one way trip to Diabetes and a major weight increase.

I highly recommend you cut back, and then cut out completely any form of soft drinks.

Trust me, I’ve been there. You’ll be really glad you followed that advice.

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About the Author

I've always loved drinking water, but I never realized how many benefits there are not only physically, but mentally as well! Now I want to go out and drink even more water--I usually only drink about 40 ounces per day. Maybe after sharing the list of benefits with my husband, I can get him to shake his soda habit! http://www.valleypumpco.com